United face competition for Dutch defender

Manchester United face competition in their pursuit of Ajax starlet Donny van de Beek from Barcelona and Bayern Munich, according to German source Sport1, as cited by talkSPORT.

Van de Beek, who turned 20-years old today, has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in Dutch football since breaking into the Ajax first-team last season, and Ajax are bracing themselves for a flurry of bids this summer.

Ex-United chief Louis van Gaal first turned his former club on to Van de Beek, and it has been suggested that the club have retained their interest since his departure.

However, the club will have to fend off interest from European giants Barca and Bayern if they are to land their target.

Both Barcelona and Bayern reportedly sent scouts to keep tabs on the midfielder during Ajax’s Europa League quarter-final first leg clash against Schalke last week, ahead of potential summer bids.

The Dutchman has scored six goals in 15 Eredivisie outings this season and could cost a hefty fee as a result of his form this campaign.